Thursday, February 3, 2011

Rockford Health System has entered into an affiliation agreement with Peoria-based OSF Healthcare System. This means, pending federal and state regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center and Rockford Health System will join to form the OSF Northern Region.

The affiliation agreement follows months of hard work and has confirmed what the leadership teams of both organizations believed when this process started in May of 2010. We believe that, in partnership, we can even further raise the bar on the quality of medical care in our region. By combining our talents, resources and technology going forward, we will best ensure the long-term viability of high quality, accessible and affordable health care in the Rockford region. This affiliation also makes sense strategically, especially in light of the struggles of our local economy and health care reform.

During our review, we have found complementary missions, visions and values. We believe that our organizations can be integrated to create a comprehensive medical system that delivers high quality services in an efficient and cost effective manner. The benefit to the community and our patients is through enhanced access to the highest level of care and the creation of a regional destination with outstanding clinical outcomes. We know that our employees share a similar commitment to quality and safety for those we serve. Together, we can continue and enhance the rich histories of health care each organization brings to this affiliation. A commitment has been made to continue operating both Rockford Memorial Hospital and OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

Also, work on the integration will not begin until the transaction is closed, sometime after clearance from the regulatory agencies. No immediate significant changes are anticipated.

While this step is monumental, it is not the final one in this process. There are many closing related tasks including federal and state regulatory approvals. The timetable is not certain, but we always welcome your questions and will attempt to answer them as best we can.

RHS President/CEO Gary Kaatz will be Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the OSF Northern Region and OSF Saint Anthony President/CEO David A. Schertz will be the Chief Operating Officer (COO). It is important to note that the OSF Northern Region will be governed by a local Board of Directors, whose members will reside in Rockford and surrounding communities.